Another great thing about staying at Kinlay Hostel right in Galway is that Galway Bus Tours pick us up right outside the door for the Connemara Tour. Only 20 euros if we buy our tickets from Kinlay each for an entire day of country side touring.
Our tour guide, Damien was excellent. Born and raised here in Ireland, he was very knowledgeable and very personable. He made many, many unscheduled stops for a quick photo stop.
Awesome day....again.
Below is the ruins of the Ross Errily Abbey located between the city of Galway and the town of Cong. I am becoming quite enthralled by 'ruined' Abbeys. They have such a beauty and grace to them.
It was a Franciscan Friary.
Views along the journey through the area known as Connemara.
A friend from home? Guess who we found wintering in Ireland? A Mallard duck in the town of Cong.
Who can forget this face? A statue of John Wayne carrying Maureen O'Hara. They did a movie in Ireland, in the wee town of Cong called 'The Quiet Man.'
The beauty of moss amongst the ruins.
The Ross Errily Abbey sitting majestically on a emerald field of green. This was the location for some of the scenes from the new series "Reign." It is the story of Mary, Queen of Scots as a 16 year old Queen living in France. I love that show...if you get a chance.
An example of thatcher roofing in Cong. On the Aran Island and dotted around Ireland, this is still a way of keeping your home warm in the winter and cool in the summer.
Connemara scenery......just the beginning.
This is Kylemore Abbey (sometimes called castle) located in the heart of Connemara, County Galway, beauty. It was built in the 19th century, it is the Monastic home of the Benedictine Order of Nuns in Ireland. We stopped here for two hours. There is much to do. A walled Victorian garden for those who love flora and fauna. Peaceful lakeside walkways. A chapel on sight for quiet meditation.
It was at one time an International Boarding school which Madonna visited when she considered sending her daughter, Lourdes her for the Catholic education. The school closed in 2010.
In a word: Breathtaking.
My wee Robin follows me everywhere. As a matter of fact, I read in my 'Bird book'....(oh yeah I have a Bird book) that this little Robin can be tamed? They often will attach themselves to gardeners. Wait till you see my video of him singing to me on the Aran Island of InishMore.
Glorious moss......
Two wee 'Canucks' in the Emerald Isle of Ireland. Life is grand.
Ivy and moss thrive in the very wet climate of Ireland.
Snow capped mountains in the region.
Did I mention I love taking this wee Robins pictures? He doesn't move away. I got within two feet of him in InishMore. I am probably no more than 5 feet from him here. He is singing his little heart out.
Making our way back toward Galway. Through unbelievable mountain roadways. Glorious.
No this is not recycling or garbage....it is about 25-30 bags of fresh mussels sitting on the side of the road. The boat just dropped them off and a truck is on it's way to take them to my dinner plate tonight.
Yummy!
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